A Stick

1 Peter 5:8
I was out at Sabino Canyon with family today and they handed out a warning that mountain lions had been spotted in the area and were showing some aggressive behavior. They suggested using a walking stick so you would have something at hand to use in defense if one were to come after you. Fortunately, I've never had to deal with that but all of us as Christians have to deal with an adversary who requires much more than a stick to stand against. Peter says, "Stay Alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)." His solution to this problem is to stand firm, be strong in your faith, and remember all the other Saints that are doing the same. While we may suffer and have to take all kinds of action to escape the evil one, with faith and knowledge of scripture we can do so. Use the appropriate spiritual tools and armor as we discussed before so you will be armed and ready for battle (see Ephesians 6:10-17). Always remember, even when it seems like other people are against us that in reality we are fighting against mighty rulers, authorities, and evil spirits of the unseen world who will come against us in many forms (Ephesians 6:12). Pray that you will be strong, carry a big stick and speak strongly against devil and he will flee!